Club rules prohibit players from engaging in late-night shenanigans within 48 hours of kickoff. Balotelli played and scored the second goal in City’s 2-0 win over Bolton on Saturday. But following the game, City manager Roberto Mancini was questioned by a reporter about Balotelli’s late night. He hadn’t heard about it, but he said he would impose the maximum fine of two weeks wages if the story was true.

Once he confirmed that the outing did indeed take place, Mancini fined the player who he regards as one of his sons. It is the latest in a number of off-field incidents involving the talented Italian star.